We tend to view global events primarily through the lens of our immediate surroundings. It is therefore difficult to perceive the oncoming wave of change—already reaching Poland—especially when we are governed by an administration composed largely of liberal-left politicians who, not long ago, condoned attacks on churches. A television station supporting the government attempted to tarnish the image of Pope John Paul II, while state security services and prosecutors pursue individuals who criticize the killing of a child shortly before its scheduled birth date—writes Tomasz Sakiewicz in the latest issue of Gazeta Polska weekly.
The funeral of Pope Francis was an event that revealed the Church’s enormous and, contrary to appearances, growing influence. The visit of President Donald Trump—who is not himself Catholic—once again underscores the fact that conservatives in the United States recognize the profound significance of Christianity and the Catholic Church in particular. The funeral was attended not only by conservative leaders. The substantial presence of Western world leaders shows that, despite a quarter-century of neo-Marxist excesses, anti-Christian trends have not fundamentally transformed societies. There is some acceptance of a more liberal lifestyle, but the question remains: is this not merely an acknowledgement of something that has always lingered beneath the surface? What is occurring, however, at an accelerated pace, is the rejection of aggressive leftism.
The United States has suspended all government funding for such movements; major corporations are adjusting their policies on promoting LGBT ideology and even the Green Deal. We are witnessing a resurgence of active Christianity, including growing interest in both ultraconservative and neo-Protestant movements. In a chaotic world, people are beginning to seek roots and stable foundations.
This trend is also visible in Poland’s presidential campaign. Rafał Trzaskowski has hidden the LGBT flag, much as post-communists once stashed away the banner of the Polish United Workers’ Party (PZPR). There are, of course, concerns that he may retrieve it after the elections. In my view, even if he tries, it will not be easy. First and foremost, his chances of winning the presidency are diminishing, and he will likely have to fight again for a place on the political stage. And one cannot secure a significant position in Poland while bearing that flag. One need only look at the distribution of voter support. No more than 10 percent of Poles endorse “rainbow” candidates.
Supporters of that movement may have placed their hopes in Trzaskowski, but even with him, they do not surpass 40 percent (I consider any polls showing him significantly above 30 percent to be overestimates). The problem is that Trzaskowski does not wish to promote himself within that group. In my opinion, even among that 30 percent, many voters do not accept the most radical demands of neo-Marxist movements.
I do not wish to definitively predict who will win the election, although Nawrocki’s chances are clearly increasing. However, it is an illusion to think that Poland can be painted pink. The world is changing rapidly, and unless mass repression and the abolition of democracy were to occur, Poles would reject this revolution just as decisively as they once rejected its red predecessors.